Tower Hamlets schoolchildren take part in ‘Season of Action’

Monday 30 Mar 2015
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Kick It Out supported Tower Hamlets Youth Sports Foundation (THYSF) at its Schools Football Finals for primary schoolchildren in March, as part of the organisation’s ‘Season of Action’.

Taking place at Mile End Stadium, the finals saw four different categories of year five and six schoolchildren play in a series of 5-a-side matches to be crowned champions of the borough for their age group.

Over 450 children aged between 9-11 took part in the finals after they had initially played in localised qualifying competitions, with the finals taking place over a two-week period between 13-25 March.

All participants in the finals were given Kick It Out merchandise and educational material as part of the organisation’s efforts to promote grassroots and community activity.

The finals, which are part of the foundation’s work across the borough, were coordinated by Abdal Ahmed, Extended School and Competition Manager.

Abdal is also a member of Kick It Out’s Grassroots Guidance Group. Speaking after the conclusion of the finals he made clear his delight at having Kick It Out involved in the tournament.

“This is the first year that Kick It Out have supported our School Football Finals and it has been great for the schoolchildren who have taken part,” Abdal said.

“They have been made aware of what Kick It Out does through the goody bags they received, which contained information on some of the projects the organisation is involved in.

“This has raised awareness of the message of treating everyone equally, particularly at the grassroots level. If the children go back from these events and learn more about Kick It Out and the good work that is being done in challenging discrimination then that is a major achievement from these finals.”

Mark Healy, Kick It Out’s Grassroots and Community Development Officer, spoke of the need to promote the organisation’s message to schoolchildren.

“Kick It Out was delighted to be a part of this year’s Schools Football Finals in association with THYSF,” Mark said.

“Tower Hamlets is a diverse borough where schoolchildren learn to interact with people from all communities at a young age, and it is important that Kick It Out helps support this inclusivity nationwide.

“The finals have been a real success and have helped spread the word of Kick It Out to a younger generation who will take it with them as they develop their love for football in the community.”

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